Entry-level applicants of H-1B visas to face tougher times in future

Some H-1B visa seekers, especially fresh graduates, will find it tough to get their visa applications approved, say immigration lawyers.

This is because of the new guidelines, which will scrutinise applicants of those foreigners who are most likely to receive wages in the lowest range. These changes are in accordance with the Trump administration’s objective to restrict foreigners with low earnings entering the country.

USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) officials are focusing on applicants who would be paid ‘Level 1’ wages, considered be the lowest salaries to be paid in some professions to allow foreigners to be hired by the Department of Labor.

As per the H-1B visa scheme, foreign workers having expert skills are allowed to work for three to six years at an American sponsor company. Every year, 85,000 visas are assigned to companies through a lottery.

They are said to be earmarked for ‘speciality occupations’ where applicants have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Ron Hira, a researcher at the Economic Policy Institute, a not for profit organisation, was quoted by San Francisco Chronicle as saying that the H-1B was actually meant for individuals holding expertise in niche fields. Its usage over years has got diluted, said Hira. The Economic Policy Institute added that the fiscal year 2015 saw 41 percent of H-1B visas being issued to people earning Level 1 wages.

To address this issue, Congress is to table bills that would increase the minimum salary for all H-1B visas to up to $130,000. This would make it tough for individuals in entry-level positions to secure H-1B visas in the future. It has, however, yet be made into law.

If you are looking to migrate to the US, get in touch with Y-Axis, a renowned consultancy for services in immigration, to apply for a relevant visa.